RBI Gives Record Rs 2.69 Lakh Crore Dividend to Government for FY25

Mumbai, May 29 – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported an 8.20 per cent year-on-year expansion in its balance sheet for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. The expansion resulted in a record dividend payout of Rs 2.69 lakh crore to the central government.

Strong Asset Growth Fuels Surplus

The growth in the RBI’s asset base was due to a significant rise in gold holdings, domestic investments, and foreign investments. Gold assets surged by 52.09 per cent, while domestic and foreign investments increased by 14.32 per cent and 1.70 per cent, respectively.

As a result of this asset growth, the RBI reported a 27.37 per cent jump in surplus, which rose from Rs 2,10,874 crore in FY24 to Rs 2,68,590 crore in FY25.

Income and Expenditure Trends

The RBI’s income grew by 22.77 per cent. The income outpaced the rise in expenditure, which stood at 7.76 per cent for the fiscal year.

Balance Sheet at Rs 76.25 Lakh Crore

The central bank’s total balance sheet increased by Rs 5.77 lakh crore. It rose from Rs 70.47 lakh crore in FY24 to Rs 76.25 lakh crore in FY25. This showcase RBI’s expanding role in managing currency issuance, monetary policy, and reserve operations.

Liabilities Driven by Currency and Revaluation

On the liabilities side, the increase was led by a 6.03 per cent rise in notes issued, a 17.32 per cent jump in revaluation accounts, and a 23.31 per cent increase in other liabilities.

Asset Composition Sees Slight Shift

As of March 31, 2025, foreign assets, including gold and overseas loans, accounted for 74.27 per cent of total assets, while domestic assets comprised 25.73 per cent. In the previous year, the figures were 76.69 per cent foreign and 23.31 per cent domestic. This shows a slight rise in the domestic assets.

Contingency Fund Allocation

RBI followed the prudential norms and transferred Rs 44,861.70 crore to its Contingency Fund (CF) during the year.

The transfer highlights the RBI’s strong management of investments and reserves, which is poised to provide a significant fiscal boost to the Indian government.